Thomas Cole Painting Reproductions Gallery 1 of 2

Thomas Cole (1801-1848) was an American painter who is best known for his landscapes, particularly those depicting the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains in New York State. He was one of the founders of the Hudson River School, a group of artists who painted romantic landscapes that celebrated the natural beauty of America.

Cole was born in Bolton-le-Moors, Lancashire, England, on February 1, 1801. His family moved to the United States in 1818, settling in Steubenville, Ohio. Cole's father was a woolen manufacturer, and he encouraged his son's interest in art.

Cole began his artistic training in Philadelphia in 1822, where he studied with the portrait painter Stein. He then traveled to Europe in 1829, spending time in England and Italy. While in Europe, Cole was greatly influenced by the works of the old masters, especially those of the Italian Renaissance.

Upon returning to the United States in 1832, Cole settled in New York City and began to paint the landscapes of the Hudson River Valley. His paintings were highly romanticized and often featured dramatic natural scenery, such as waterfalls and mountains.

Cole's work gained critical acclaim, and he became one of the leading painters of the Hudson River School. In 1836, he married Maria Bartow, with whom he had five children.

In addition to his paintings, Cole was also an accomplished writer and thinker. He wrote extensively on the role of art in society and the importance of preserving America's natural beauty. He was a strong advocate for conservation, and his work helped to inspire the creation of the national park system.

Unfortunately, Cole's career was cut short by his untimely death in 1848, at the age of 47. Despite his relatively short career, he left a lasting legacy as one of America's greatest landscape painters.